Disclaimer: While this story does belong to me, all the bits that aren't creative license and authorial presentation do not. So… yeah.
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Survival
Part 2: Identity
Chapter 1: Smarts
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"Okay, so that's all of the supplies we have…" Oliver remarked, casting a memorizing glance over the assortment laid out on the beach. "Anything else?"
Chloe bit her lip. "Yes."
He cocked his head. "Really? Your bag looks pretty empty."
"Not that kind of asset," she amended. The billionaire looked puzzled. Gesticulating, the girl remarked, "Think of survival as a team sport or a dangerous mission. We know what we have, now what can be do. What are our abilities, our specialties? What can you do that I cannot, and vice versa?"
Oliver grinned wryly. "Well so far it looks like I'm the brawns and you're the brains."
The girl gave him a chastising smack on the arm. "It's not that simple, Hero. Different kinds of smarts." She pursed her lips a moment as she began to gather up the spread objects from the beach. "My brand of smarts works best from a distance, where I have a more objective view and can consider all the possibilities. Yours is better suited to improvisation. You can make decisions on a dime without second-guessing yourself, and even if the choice is wrong, your physical abilities are more likely to get you through it unscathed."
"I see what you mean." Oliver considered their differences for a moment then raised his brow. "Does that mean I'll literally go out everyday to secure us some bacon while you become Susie Homemaker?"
Chloe winced at the idea, feminist principles offended. "I guess. It seems… sensible." She shook her head. "But that doesn't mean I'm incapable! I can gather fruit, make a hut or something, keep the fire going so we won't waste matches, cook the food…"
Oliver pulled her into a half-hug. "I know. You're going to be busy providing, too. Keep in mind that just because we're more suited to certain kinds of work doesn't mean we can't mix it up sometimes." Chloe ducked her head to hide her smile. "Besides, I think it'd be a good idea to teach you some of what I know. Have you ever tried yoga?"
"Yoga?" she asked him, confused.
He nodded, a spark of amusement in his eyes. "Really great for you – I'm working on doing a handstand." Chloe wrinkled her nose. "Then what about Tai Chi? I took a few classes at my university's rec center. It's just slowed down martial arts."
"Maybe."
His eyes grew serious. "At the very least, I'm going to teach you how to use my bow and arrows. You need to know how to use the weapons we have on hand. I'll also need to set aside time each day to practice. It's been awhile since I practiced archery – my aim's probably off."
"Take the time you need," she replied, tone subdued. "We need you in top condition if we're going to make it."
He stared at her. "I hope you're not implying that you're worth less than me here." Chloe shrugged. "Sidekick. What reason would I have to survive if you weren't here? And if I was alone and I did choose to survive, I'd still be a mess. If I made it back to civilization, I'd probably join a cult or something."
Chloe laughed. "Sorry, I just pictured you in a satanic cult – robes and all! I'm telling you, Ollie, black nail polish doesn't work on you."
"I should hope not."
"You know, we should probably learn to make our own arrows – the ones from the ship can't last us forever," Chloe pointed out. He nodded agreement. "Also, I think we should move inland a bit. It's more protected from the weather, closer to freshwater, and easier to find building materials. We should also explore the island more. We assume we're alone here, but we don't know. It would also give us a better idea of what we have to work with survival-wise."
"By all means, Sidekick, let's go for a stroll."
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A/N:
And they're off!
Please be aware that each part of Survival (i.e. Gratitude and Identity) will happen within its own increment of time (though in chronological order).